Cord leaders accuse government of laxity in fighting corruption
Kisumu Senator Anyang Nyong'o (left) and Cord co-principal Moses Wetang'ula speak at the burial ceremony of Joyce Atieno Aluoch in Kisumu on October 22, 2016. Mr Wetang’ula said corruption was the biggest impediment to development of Kenya. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The Bungoma senator said that Cord will stick together and rope in other major players to ensure they defeat Jubilee in the 2017 elections.
- But as Cord leaders criticised the government, their Jubilee counterparts chose to preach peace, saying Kenya should not be polarised.
Opposition leaders have said that failure by President Uhuru Kenyatta to fight corruption should be more reason why they should not re-elect him in 2017, and instead vote for Cord.
Cord leaders said the moment the President blamed independent institutions for failing in the graft war, he clearly showed that he had given up on the war on corruption.
Cord co-principal Moses Wetang’ula said corruption was the biggest impediment to development of Kenya.
“The President has surrendered because he does not have the goodwill to fight corruption,” said the Ford Kenya party leader.
The Bungoma senator said that Cord will stick together and rope in other major players to ensure they defeat Jubilee in the 2017 elections.
Already, there are talks among opposition political parties to form a super alliance on whose ticket they will field a candidate to face off with President Kenyatta.
Cord affiliate parties — ODM, Wiper Party and Ford Kenya — are engaged in negotiations with Amani National Congress (ANC), Kanu and Chama cha Mashinani (CCM) to form the National Super Alliance (NASA) to battle it out with Jubilee Party in 2017.
“We want Martha Karua, Gideon Moi, Isaac Ruto and any other like-minded politician to join us for us to have a formidable force that will send Jubilee home,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
Mr Oparanya said he is already popularising ODM in Western and roping in Mr Mudavadi’s ANC will gift the Opposition a sure win.
Senator James Orengo said Cord will, however, not participate in the next General Election until they are satisfied that it will be credible.
“Raila is strong in all regions and that is why we will win the elections with a landslide but will not allow flawed elections,” said Mr Orengo.
Funyula MP Paul Otuoma said Mr Odinga is the only person who can fight graft.
“This country needs a General that does not surrender during a battle like President Kenyatta did,” said Mr Otuoma.
Seme MP James Nyikal suggested that capital punishment be meted out against corrupt people.
But as Cord leaders criticised the government, their Jubilee counterparts chose to preach peace, saying Kenya should not be polarised.
The leaders were speaking at Mamboleo ASK Showgrounds in Kisumu during the burial of Joyce Atieno Aluoch, daughter of Kisumu West MP John Olago Aluoch. She died in a road crash.
Others who attended are Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, Senators Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Boy Juma Boy (Kwale), Daniel Karaba (Kirinyaga), Nominated Senators Joy Gwendo, Mshenga Mvita and Judith Sijenyi.
Members of the National Assembly included Fred Outa (Nyando), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay), Ken Okoth (Kibra), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Edick Anyanga (Nyatike), Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu East) and Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Westlands).
